Shockers Win Capital City Challenge

May 31, 2008 Lacey, WA 

It wasn't pretty, but the "W" column added another digit for the South Sound Shockers after a 14-0 win over the Washington Cavaliers in the 2nd annual Capital City Challenge. The Shockers won the inaugural game against the Salem Monarchs in Oregon City 33-0. The Monarchs replaced the Cavaliers in that game due to scheduling conflicts. The game was a non-league tune up as the Shockers head for Omak, Washington next Saturday and the first round of EFL playoffs. The win completed a three-game sweep of non-league opponents this season. The Shockers defeated the Monarchs (Oregon Football League), Invaders (Cascade Football League) and Cavs (Northwest Football League). This is the 3rd straight season the Shockers have beaten opponents from outside their conference or league during the regular season. (9-0).

Eric Goodman intercepted the Cavaliers in the first quarter scoring from 38 yards out, helped out by a devastating block from Nate "Big Nasty" Enciso on a Cav running back giving chase. That score would hold through to the third period when Jacob Hicks found Jameson Gstohl down the right sideline for a 90-yard bomb. Pat Hutnik chipped in both extra points. South Sound is still battling themselves in the turnover department giving the ball to the Cavaliers on 3 occassions.

Defensively "Nasty" (12 tackles) and Ron Strozyk (6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 QB pressures) led a dominant Shocker defense missing starters Micah Tanaka and David Alefosio. David Beaver continued to improve at linebacker starting in place of Kelly Time who arrived late due to work obligations. Randy Alderman interecepted a pass, while Eric Webster, Robb Stanton, Damian Goodwin, David Combs, and Goodman held the Cavalier rushing game to 44 total yards, while the pass defense held Washington to 83 yards (36 coming on one play), 4 sacks and 2 interceptions.

Rory Lee returned to action, however primarily on the defensive side of the ball still hobbled by a knee strain suffered against the Wenatchee Rams two weeks ago. Tight end Avery Brown and starting right guard Jeff Cole left the game with ankle injuries, while starting left tackle Robert Clements watched in street clothes nursing a sore shoulder. The Shockers now head to Omak, Washington on June 7th for an EFL first-round playoff battle for the right to take on the Blue Mountain Stars on June 14th, the current #1 seed. The Shockers defeated the Commandos 28-3 in Lacey early in the season.

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